University of Georgia Science and Ag Hill Renovation – Phase 1

Athens, GA

Reimagining a Mid-Century Lab for 21st Century Research

Cooper Carry partnered with the University of Georgia to lead a transformational renovation of its historic Chemistry Building, marking the first phase of the Science and Ag Hill Modernization. Originally built in 1960, the 107,000-square-foot mid-century structure has been revitalized into a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient hub for interdisciplinary research and instruction.

Modern Science, Historic Context

Located just south of Sanford Stadium, the building is part of UGA’s historic “Science Center” district. Rather than demolish the structure, the university prioritized adaptive reuse, preserving its distinctive modernist features while reimagining the interior for today’s R1-level research demands. The renovation supports the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences' Entomology department and Franklin College of Arts and Sciences' Microbiology and Cellular Biology departments.

Lab Design for Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Designed through direct collaboration with faculty researchers, the new labs are tailored to support a wide range of programs and research types. The layout includes open wet labs, insect containment rooms, microscopy labs, walk-in environmental chambers, and plant growth spaces—creating a shared research environment that encourages connectivity and innovation across disciplines.

Engineering Ingenuity for Tight Floor-to-Floor Conditions

With just 11 feet between floors—far less than the standard height for new lab buildings—our team applied creative engineering to overcome complex MEP challenges. A centralized rooftop mechanical system and chilled beam HVAC technology preserved ceiling heights while improving energy efficiency. Additional upgrades included an encapsulated crawlspace, high-performance insulation, and energy recovery systems—together estimated to cut energy use by 10% annually compared to a ground-up lab.

A Sustainable Approach to Research Facility Renewal

This renovation demonstrates the viability of converting aging lab buildings into modern facilities, aligning with both cost-efficiency and environmental goals. By avoiding demolition, Cooper Carry’s team preserved embodied carbon and diverted materials from landfills—contributing to UGA’s broader sustainability and capital investment goals.

Results and Impact

The revitalized building has already fostered new collaboration among faculty and graduate researchers, and supports UGA’s continued growth as a top public research university. As Phase I of a broader multi-phase modernization effort, this project sets a precedent for future science facility upgrades that are sustainable, cost-effective, and rooted in academic mission.